THE reaction of goalkeeper Ethan Ross to the re-signing of Nathan Vaughan has impressed caretaker Worcester City boss John Snape.

Snape admitted the 19-year-old stopper was one of the only positives to come from their dismal 2-0 loss at basement side Altrincham in Vanarama National League North last Saturday.

The experienced Vaughan, who made more than 60 appearances during his previous spell at City, returned to the club last week.

But Ross, who is on loan from West Bromwich Albion until the end of the season, retained the gloves.

And Snape was pleased with his showing against Altrincham as he pulled off a series of fine saves.

“One of the positives for me was Ethan’s performance,” Snape said.

“He is the one player who came away with a bit of glory as he made a couple of saves in the first half and three or four in the second with one of them outstanding.

“It has not kept us in the game because I don’t think we were in it but he showed he wants to keep that number one shirt off Nathan.”

Centre-back Graham Hutchison (knee), Rotherham United loanee Tom Rose (tonsillitis) and West Brom youngster Chay Scrivens (calf) were all ruled out of the trip to Alty through injury and illness.

But Snape was hopeful the trio would return in time for City’s home clash against Darlington 1883 on Saturday (3pm).

“Graham has got a knee injury but he will hopefully be back in training,” Snape added.

“Tom was unfortunate as he came down with tonsillitis on Friday night and Chay has got a calf injury so we had a few people go down last week.”